This Time Is Ours

Twins Matthew and Mitchell may have been born together, but their personalities are very different. Mitchell is boisterous and outgoing, while Matthew is calm and contemplative. I took their pictures one sunny afternoon, which also happened to be the boy's birthday party. It was "Fireman" themed, naturally. There was red a yellow everywhere, with a giant stuffed dalmatian, and sandwiches from Firehouse subs. But the best part was the bounce-y gym stationed outside that the kids had an absolute blast playing in.

Matthew and Mitchell were decked out, looking adorable in their red shirts, fireman hats, and goulashes. Before I can begin a portrait I have to spend time with the children, doing the things they love to do.

I knew I had to capture Matthew in his fireman hat. I loved the idea of drawing him in something that he loves; that is so unique to him. It captures that spirit and magic of childhood- that complete joy and abandonment of being who you are and doing what you love. I also loved that their parents, Anne and Thayne, would forever remember their boys at this specific age and time.

And Mitchell- purely lost in the moment, having the time of his life.

Thayne and Anne were moved when they saw the portraits. Especially Thayne. He said that the boys would have their own lives when they got older, but this time was his and Anne’s.

A new grandmother expressed this same sentiment to me. She said when you’re a young mom you think you’ll remember those early childhood years, but now that her daughter is grown she’s realized you don’t remember them. You’ll have some pictures, she said, but you wont have something that really captures a specific time.

Capture those precious years. Reserve your child’s portrait today.

Tanner, Cannon, and Walter

It's been an exciting week in my studio. Recently I finished a big project: three full-length oil portraits of five-year-old boys Cannon, Walter, and Tanner. I have loved getting to know my collectors, Deede and Scott, and there three adorable triplets.

From the moment I met Deede, I could tell how much her boys meant to her. She showed me their baby pictures and told me about how each one has their own personality. Of course, all three like playing sports and climbing trees, but when I met them I could see what she meant.

Cannon is mischievous and rambunctious. Definitely not an introvert. When I was taking his picture, he took me all over the house, showed me his toys, and performed all his ninja moves for me. His portrait captures him "in- action," which I think is appropriate for someone with his out-going personality. He’s also got that twinkle in his eye, which Scott said means, "I’m about to do something, but I’m cute so you can’t stop me."

Tanner is shy and so sweet. He has the cutest little rasp-y voice and was perhaps the easiest to photograph, a natural in front of the camera. I didn't have to tell him to how to smile or pose. Deede said he always wants to toss the baseball, so it's perfect to have him with his ball and glove.

And Walter. Walter is the same age as his brothers (obviosuly) but he’s a little bigger and he stood out to me as the leader. He was quite and confident, and a little shy in front of the camera. But I saw him in his element hitting balls with his dad. You can tell the other boys look up to him.

It was such a blessing for me to celebrate the uniqueness of Scott and Deede's children. It was inspiring to see them in their natural element- playing outside, climbing and exploring, and having adventures. I love their similarities, as well as their distinct personalities.

As the boys grow up, I know it will mean so much to their parents to have captured this special time in their lives.

Henry's Story

 

When I finished the portrait of her son, my collector Micki thanked me for once again capturing the magic in her children.

I love how she phrased that. The magic in her children.

It made me think about how children see life. To a child, every day is an adventure. The world is exciting and limitless - they can be anything and go anywhere.

Children are totally honest and real. They don't hide their feelings and they don’t wear masks. They ask for what they want. Children have their own interests, personalities, and perspectives that I am privileged to celebrate in my work. Every portrait commission is a new opportunity to tell the story of a child.

This month I told Henry’s story.

Henry is a rascal-y two-year-old with sparkling eyes, rosy cheeks, and a mischievous grin.

He loves cats (Aristocats, to be exact), his rocking horse, and trains. He's endlessly curious.

He’s not above accepting candy bribes to stand still for a picture. And why should he? He’s got places to be and things to explore. Henry is a man on the move.

Last week, Micki and Dan Martin held an intimate gathering in their home to unveil Henry’s portrait. We sipped champagne and sampled hors d'oeuvres. Before the portrait was revealed, I shared insights into my creative process and the inspiration behind this piece.

Then we unveiled.

I have am so grateful to my patrons for loving my work and trusting my vision. As a token of my gratitude I presented them with a signed copy of my book.

It's an honor to tell the story of Micki and Dan's children in my work - to capture the magic of childhood.

How will you tell your child's story?

Portrait Unveiling: Jennings Goode

My collector Jenna was looking for an artist to paint her daughter Jennings. She is about to turn six, right around the age I recommend for portraits. Jenna heard of me because I've painted her friends' kids. She and her husband checked out my work and liked it, so she booked a consultation with me. I liked Jennings the first time I met her. She is so warm and engaging. I hadn't been in the house five minutes when she asked if I would like to see her room.

Naturally, I said yes.

It was like all little girls' rooms should be: pink, with beaded curtains on the door frame. She proudly showed me her collection of stuffed owls (favorite animal), her surprisingly well-organized desk, and her dolls. I posed as she took a picture of me on her new camera, an honor she bestows on all of her visitors;)

In addition to having a great personality, Jennings was an ideal portrait subject. She was calm and relaxed as I took her picture, like she was used to having her portrait painted.

I was inspired by her warm personality and the way her eyes lit up when she told me about her favorite things - playing the violen, her best friend Barnes, or being a St. Mary's flower girl. Before I began painting, I knew I wanted to emphasize her big blue eyes and dimples by keeping the background light and loose.

When Jenna saw the finished portrait, she said she almost cried for joy.

And I can't talk about this commission without mentioning baby Clyde. After I took Jennings pictures, he hopped up on the chair and said, “Cheeeese," which sounded more like "tchaayyyss." #babytalk.

For real? That's too cute. Just another reason I love what I do!

The Highest Compliment

I don't advertise. Most of my business comes by way of referral. That's why I always ask my collectors if they can think of one or two people like themselves who might be interested in my work.

It’s a wonderful compliment when I receive a referral. It means my collector liked my work and enjoyed working with me enough to recommend me to their friends. Portraits are very personal and people only want to work with artists they like and can trust.

Getting a recommendation from a friend is like their seal of approval.

I was just talking to my friend and collector, Deede Sherman, this morning. Deede told me she had a friend, who is also her son's godmother, who has three kids, one of whom doesn't have a portrait. She gave her friend a heads up and said she would be expecting my call.  I am humbled and grateful that she likes me enough to promote me to her friends.

Another example of a referral I got was through my collector Bethany Owen. Bethany told her friend Sara Madasu about the portraits I was doing of her sons, and Sara commissioned me to paint portraits of her four children. Another client of mine, Colleen, introduced me to two of her friends, Micki Martin and Whitney Bricken, who also commissioned me to paint their children.

My speciality is painting and drawing children, so not everyone is a good fit for my work, and that's ok. That's why I ask my collectors if they can think of anyone like themselves who might be interested in my work. More than likely the people they hang out with have children, too.

I also realize that just because you have kids doesn’t mean you want a portrait, nor does it mean I will paint them. I only have a limited number of bookings each year.

But my current collectors are my number one source of new business. So to you who have referred me, my deepest and sincerest thanks. I am truly honored.